Every day reading newspapers, listening to or watching news, we often get more frustrated than encouraged, for everywhere in the world, violence, crimes, and aggressive behaviors seem to be rampant. There is too much emphasis on anti-social behaviors by social networks and the media. And the trend is not recent. In fact, it has been like that for centuries. Mark Twain himself refused to read newspapers later in his life, saying it only made him feel more cynical, and sick of human progress and civilization.
Why do the media like to depict more antisocial behaviors than prosocial behaviors?
Don't humans get any better? Aren't there role models any more? I believe there are always some good people in every society, real-life role models whom the media should highlight more often in order to promote harmony, peace and happiness in the world.
Humans are social learners. We often imitate others around us. Just as it is easier to descend than to ascend, it is easier for us to follow the evil than to emulate the good. We thus have to be vigilant against bad influences from whomever and whatever we have come into contact or have relationship with in our daily life. What we read online or offline, whether they are local, national or international images, stories and events, will be stored in our minds, dormant but ready to arise unexpectedly when there are enough favorable factors. The networks have a powerful influence on us, even though we might not realize it.
Be more responsible when you post anything online or when you spread any piece of information. There should be more and more role models, prosocial behaviors, educational and enlightening stories and events through social networks and the mass media. Again, we need to cultivate universal responsibility.
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